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THE PUGGY HUNTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

Royal College of Nursing, Australia is proud to act as the fund administrator for this scholarship scheme funded through the Department of Health and Ageing.

The Scheme was established in recognition of Dr Arnold ('Puggy') Hunter's significant contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and in his previous role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

The aim of the Scheme is to help address the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health professions and assist in increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with professional health qualifications. 

The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are undertaking study or are intending to undertake study at an undergraduate or TAFE level in the areas of:  

•  Aboriginal Health Worker
•  Allied Health (excluding pharmacy)
•  Dentistry/Oral Health
•  Health Service Management
•  Health Promotion/Education
•  Medicine
•  Mental Health
•  Midwifery
•  Nursing. 

 Applicants must identify as and be able to prove their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status.

To prove your status as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you must obtain confirmation in written form (“Proof of Aboriginality”) from an Indigenous Australian organisation within the community in which you live or have previously lived. 

The Proof of Aboriginality must include: 

• The signatures of two office holders

Confirmation in writing from an incorporated body related to an academic institution will not be acceptable.

Students undertaking a cadetship that incorporates a payment to the student for study and/or work are not eligible to receive a Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme scholarship place.  

Scholarships will be awarded on the recommendation of a selection committee and will be based on the following criteria:  

Community involvement and leadership;

Commitment to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health, and

Commitment to improving Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health in the future.

The Scheme offers students scholarships worth up to $7,500 per annum for part-time study and up to $15,000 per annum for full-time study for the usual term of the course.

For clarification of your eligibility under this scheme please contact us by on free call number 1800 688 628 or email: scholarships@rcna.org.au. 

This scheme is now open. Applications must be received by Friday 8 August 2008.

Applications are now available, applications are in pdf format:  

Application Form: Print application, complete form in black or blue pen, sign and attach the relevant documents then post to Royal College of Nursing, Australia (address below). 

Mail completed and signed application form by Friday 8 August 2008 to: 

Fund Administrator
Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme
Royal College of Nursing, Australia
PO Box 219
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600  

Remember to print or save a copy of the application form for your own records. 

For further information click on the appropriate links below: 

• Click here for a Confirmation of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Descent form (if applicable)
• If a third party completed your application form  
• For information on how these scholarship payments may effect Centrelink payments
• For more information about scholarships and taxation
• For details on the painting depicted in the above image
• For Nursing students The Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses (CATSIN)
• For more information on becoming a nurse or midwife
• For Dentistry students Indigenous Dentists' Assocation of Australia
• For Medicine students the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA)  
• For information on the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme

CONTACTING RCNA

Further information is available by contacting, the Fund Administrator, RCNA on -

Email - scholarships@rcna.org.au

Freecall - 1800 688 628